Oakland Raiders linebacker Kaluka Maiava returns to practice

ALAMEDA -- Linebacker Kaluka Maiava, out with an ankle injury since late July, returned to practice Monday for the Raiders.

Although the Raiders appear set as far as starting linebackers with Nick Roach in the middle, Kevin Burnett on the weak side and rookie Sio Moore on the strong side, Maiava provides depth at all three positions and has value on special teams.

Also returning to practice was strong safety Tyvon Branch (ribs), although it remains to be seen if he will play when the Raiders visit the Seattle Seahawks Thursday night in their final preseason game.